Gravenberch’s Tactical Value: How He Enhances Liverpool’s Midfield
Gravenberch’s Emerging Role in Liverpool’s Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch has quickly proven himself as a vital asset in Liverpool’s midfield, demonstrating his capacity for adaptability, intelligence, and physical prowess. Recruited as a versatile, box-to-box midfielder, Gravenberch’s impact is apparent through his contribution in both possession and defensive play. His current form has stirred discussions among analysts and fans alike, especially due to his position as Liverpool’s No. 6 in a system led by Arne Slot, where he partners next to Mac Allister in a double pivot.
Gravenberch as #LFC's No. 6 has been fantastic so far this season – a deep analysis: his complex profile, excellent anticipation, pressing intensity, key role in the build-up, great carry skills, OOP workrate & defensive solidity. 🧐
⏩ Visuals by @xfbsays ⏪
🧵 A long Thread pic.twitter.com/bQs9mkntOp
— Jimi (@borbely_imre) October 25, 2024
Excelling in Possession and Defensive Workrate
One look at Gravenberch’s metrics in the Premier League (PL) so far, particularly his “pizza chart,” shows why he is considered one of Liverpool’s most dynamic midfielders. Notable statistics highlight his contributions in carry metrics, possession involvement, aerial duels, and defensive recoveries. When comparing him to other PL midfielders with over 30% game time, Gravenberch emerges as one of the top performers in interceptions and recoveries per 1,000 opponent touches. His ability to anticipate play, read opponents, and reclaim possession makes him a robust defensive presence without the ball.
Compared to other midfielders, his game-reading ability and energy are standout qualities, enabling him to disrupt opponent attacks with efficiency and purpose.
Calculated per 1000 opponent touches, his defensive numbers are solid this season in the league! Defensive workrate, interceptions, tackles efficiency & recoveries – he can be so valuable without the ball in many different ways! 🛡️ pic.twitter.com/PX2bi3IsLH
— Jimi (@borbely_imre) October 25, 2024
Key Contributions Against High-Pressing Opponents
A notable example of Gravenberch’s out-of-possession work was showcased in Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United (MU). Gravenberch intercepted a crucial pass from Casemiro, quickly transitioning play by carrying the ball forward and creating an opportunity for Salah to assist Díaz’s goal. This instance encapsulates Gravenberch’s quick reading of the game and his ability to make decisive interceptions, emphasising his influence within Liverpool’s pressing system.
Gravenberch’s presence fits seamlessly within Slot’s tactical blueprint, particularly the 4-2-3-1 mid-block shape Liverpool often employs. His physicality and awareness enable him to execute Liverpool’s pressing strategy effectively, especially when out of possession.
Gravenberch’s defensive metrics are substantial; aside from Konaté, van Dijk, and Mac Allister, few Liverpool players surpass him in defensive actions, making him a crucial figure in breaking down opponents.
In Liverpool's squad, only Konaté, VVD & macca has more defensive actions so far in the league than him, which shows how brilliant Gravenberch is out-of-possession. Especially the volume of interceptions and tackles makes him so important and unmissable! 💪 pic.twitter.com/Ph7c2iMhOS
— Jimi (@borbely_imre) October 25, 2024
Balancing Offensive and Defensive Responsibilities
In addition to his defensive contributions, Gravenberch has shown consistent progress with his possession metrics. He averages 9.81 carries per 90 minutes, positioning him as one of the league’s top three midfielders in this category, trailing only behind Bissouma and Kovacic. His successful carries map highlights his threat from nearly any part of the pitch, underlining his skill in transitioning defence into attack.
This capacity to drive the ball forward, particularly from deeper positions, is a standout feature of his playstyle, allowing Liverpool to initiate swift transitions.
Another key asset lies in Gravenberch’s decision-making and composure when receiving the ball under pressure. An example of this was seen when he shielded the ball against Bournemouth, turning out of pressure in the right half-space, facilitating Liverpool’s swift counter.
His defensive workrate point map is worth to have a look at. In Slot's high-intensity pressing (their 10.4 PPDA is the 6th lowest), it's very important to have players who can defend aggressively on the opponent's half & make numerous defensive actions. He's able to do this! 👏 pic.twitter.com/RLwo6qpSiw
— Jimi (@borbely_imre) October 25, 2024
His passing metrics place him among the top in Liverpool’s squad for progressive passes, second only to van Dijk. This range in passing, especially his tendency to switch play across half-spaces, adds fluidity and versatility to Liverpool’s midfield.
Gravenberch’s activity and passing map show how effectively he leverages central zones and half-spaces, switching play and maintaining offensive momentum.
An All-Rounded Midfielder with Room to Grow
In Arne Slot’s 4-2 or occasionally 3-2 in-possession structure, Gravenberch is pivotal in maintaining tempo and fluidity. His role often entails positioning centrally as a passing option, enabling smooth ball circulation or, when necessary, driving forward. This builds Liverpool’s capacity for ball retention and forward momentum, keeping opposition defences under sustained pressure.
This visual shows his successful carries in the league – he's very dangerous from all over the pitch. His dynamism and athleticism is one of his main skills which makes him a deadly box-to-box midfielder. He can run so well with the ball! 🫵 pic.twitter.com/vnDU5NkfYZ
— Jimi (@borbely_imre) October 25, 2024
The potential for Gravenberch to flourish within this framework is undeniable. His blend of defensive diligence and offensive versatility has already made him a standout in the Champions League and Premier League.
As the season progresses, Liverpool fans will be eager to see how Gravenberch continues to evolve, potentially becoming one of the most significant figures in Klopp’s tactical setup.
He epitomises the modern, multi-faceted midfielder Liverpool have long sought, with his energy, game-reading, and ability to impact both sides of the game.
From recovering possession in high-pressure moments to initiating counterattacks, Gravenberch’s contributions are expected to remain pivotal.
Looking at his clustered typical passes visual this season in the PL, we can see that he's so active from the central zones & from the half-spaces and likes to switch the ball from the left half-space to the left wing or to the right half-space. 🧐 pic.twitter.com/RVSjaypC4S
— Jimi (@borbely_imre) October 25, 2024
Liverpool supporters, analysts and neutrals alike should keep a close eye on Gravenberch’s progression this season.
He has already demonstrated why Liverpool signed him and continues to show he could become a transformative figure for the team.
Credit: Analysis by Jimi (@borbely_imre on Twitter) and tactical visuals by xfb Analytics.